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The Netherlands is a strategic European gateway for Ethiopian coffee. Rotterdam is one of the world's busiest ports with best-in-class logistics, bonded warehousing, and efficient customs procedures making it a popular choice for importers distributing across Benelux and Western Europe.
Quick Take: Rotterdam offers fast throughput, modern bonded storage and excellent inland connections. Ethiopian coffee normally enters the EU duty‑free under preferential schemes (check current status and certificate requirements). The Netherlands applies a reduced VAT rate for most food products (9%) and does not levy a federal coffee excise like Germany.
Dutch Customs (Douane) and the NVWA enforce EU food-safety and customs rules; EU contaminant limits (e.g. ochratoxin A) are set at EU level (EU contaminants legislation).
Importers choose the Netherlands for its operational advantages and access to EU markets:
Imports follow EU regulations for food safety and traceability. Dutch authorities enforce these rules via the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and Customs (Douane). Pre-arrival safety notifications (ICS2/ENS), an EORI number, and accurate electronic import declarations are required to clear shipments quickly:
Key points: compliance with General Food Law, MRLs for pesticide residues, and limits for contaminants such as ochratoxin A (OTA).
Ethiopia enjoys duty-free access under GSP+, so major landed-cost items are FOB price, ocean freight, insurance, handling, and Dutch VAT. There is no national coffee excise in the Netherlands comparable to Germany's Kaffeesteuer.
Rotterdam is the primary gateway: fast vessel schedules, regular sailings from Djibouti/Red Sea via Suez, and excellent onward distribution by barge, rail and truck.
20ft FCL (18,000 kg) and 40ft FCL are standard. LCL consolidations are available for smaller buyers. Transit time from Djibouti to Rotterdam: ~22–30 days depending on carrier and routing.
| Charge Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Price (Ethiopia/Djibouti) | $4.80/lb × 39,683 lbs = $190,478 USD | Example FOB for specialty coffee |
| Ocean Freight (Djibouti → Rotterdam) | $3,800 USD | Typical market rate confirm with carrier |
| Marine Insurance (0.3% CIF) | $583 USD | |
| Port Fees & Terminal Handling | $550 USD (€500) | Rotterdam terminal charges |
| Customs Broker Fee | $330 USD (€300) | |
| CIF Rotterdam | $195,741 USD (€177,973 @ €1.10/USD) | |
| Import Duty (0% under GSP+) | €0 | |
| VAT 9% on (CIF + Fees) | €16,017 ($17,619 USD) | Reduced Dutch VAT for most food products |
| Trucking (Rotterdam to warehouse) | €200 ($220 USD) | |
| Total Landed Cost | $214,489 USD (€194,990) | |
| Cost Per Pound (Landed) | $5.41/lb | |
| After VAT Recovery (VAT-registered importer) | $4.96/lb ($196,870 USD) | VAT recoverable for registered businesses |
Note: Figures are illustrative; get up-to-date freight and terminal quotes, and confirm exchange rates. Bonded storage can defer VAT and improve cash flow.
Ensure the exporter provides complete documentation to accelerate Dutch clearance:
Tip: Use Rotterdam bonded storage to smooth cash flow and simplify cross-border distribution into Belgium and Germany many traders import via Rotterdam even when final markets are elsewhere.
Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and the primary entry point for coffee into the EU. It offers bonded warehouse facilities, competitive port fees, excellent logistics infrastructure, and easy onward distribution to Belgium, Germany, and the wider EU market.
Importers must file an Entry Summary (ENS) before arrival, submit an electronic import declaration through Dutch customs, and present Form A for GSP+ duty reduction. NVWA may request sampling and testing, especially for first-time importers.
Yes. Ethiopia qualifies for the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences, which provides reduced or zero duty on green coffee imports. A valid Form A certificate of origin must be attached to the import declaration.
Bonded warehouses allow importers to defer VAT and duty payments until goods are released for sale. This improves cash flow and simplifies cross-border distribution, as coffee can be re-exported to other EU countries without paying Dutch VAT first.
Coffee must comply with EU food safety regulations including maximum residue limits for pesticides and ochratoxin A limits. The NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) conducts inspections and may test incoming shipments.
At Ethio Coffee Export PLC, we support Dutch importers with pricing, documentation, and logistics through Rotterdam. Contact us to get started.
About This Insight: A practical guide for importing Ethiopian coffee to the Netherlands, including EU regulations, Rotterdam logistics, and market entry advice.
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